I don't own House of Anubis. Guys I love you. We have reached 144 reviews. Beating my previous best. I AM SO DARN HAPPY! I know, I thought I'd update Sunday. BUT I had to post it early. Short and all.

"You have to be shitting me," Patricia mumbled. "This stupid project again? I had to do it in the freaking eighth grade."

"Patricia," Joy scolded. "I think it'd be fun!" Patricia just huffed, sinking down in her seat. Ms. Denby had a crate full of baby dolls in her arms, smiling brightly at the students.

"With these babie prototypes, you will learn respect. Care. And maybe one or two of you will make a new friend." Ms. Denby said.

"Can we pick our partner?" Jerome called out.

"No, Jerome, I will," Ms. Denby said. "I even made a list-" Before she could go on, Mr. Sweet entered the room, a boy trailing behind him. With cropped blond hair and slightly broad shoulders, the boy made all the girls in the room do a double take.

"Sorry to interrupt you, Caroline," Mr. Sweet said. "but I'd like you all to meet our newest student. Everyone, this is Benji." Eddie stared at him, horrified, as memories rushed through his mind. Benji gave him a wink.

"I trust everyone will give Benji a warm welcome," Ms. Denby assured him.

"Hi," Joy said breathlessly to him, and Benji gave her a warm smile. Patricia shot her a what-gives? look, and Joy held up her hands defensively.

"Thank you," Mr. Sweet said, and he left.

"Benji, take a seat next to KT," Ms. Denby said, signaling to the girl, and Benji gladly complied. Eddie clenched a fist at that. Usually he'd be there, next to KT, but now he sat in a two person desk by himself as they weren't dating anymore.

"Hey," Benji said as he did so.

"Hi," KT broke into a wide smile. Eddie looked away, disgusted.

"Alright everyone," Ms. Denby said. "Here is how it's going to go. Jerome, you'll be with Nina. Joy, you'll be with Benji; luckily he came here at the right time. I was worried you'd have to be a single mother. Eddie, with Patricia-"

"WHAT?" Patricia exploded.

"Why?" Eddie asked at the same time.

"Calm down," Ms. Denby said sharply. "I think this exercise will do you both good. Okay, now KT, you'll be with..." As she droned on, Joy turned to shrug apologetically at Patricia. "Will everyone pair up, please?" Patricia begrudgingly got up and went over to Eddie. Joy introduced herself to Benji and led him to the table next to Patricia and Eddie.

"Hello, Eddie," Benji said.

"Benji," Eddie grumbled.

"No way; you know each other?" Joy said, interested.

"We went to the same school back in America," Eddie said through gritted teeth.

"Oh goody, another American," Patricia mumbled.

"And who might you be?" Benji turned to her, taking her hand and brushing a kiss to her knuckles. Patricia jerked her hand away, staring daggers at him. "Hey, I'm sorry if that offended you." He looked genuine, and Patricia softened a bit.

"No," Patricia mumbled. "It's fine, but don't do that again."

"Of course," Benji said, smiling his warm smile. Patricia couldn't help but give the slightest smile back. Eddie stared offhandedly at Benji, trying to seem like he didn't care, but he had to admit he was mad Benji could charm Patricia without trying and Eddie failed even while trying.

"Send one of your partners to get the doll, please," Ms. Denby said.

"I'll go," Benji told Joy, and he left before she could object. Joy watched him dreamily.

"He's a real gentleman, isn't he?" Joy sighed.

"And a real pain in the ass," Eddie mumbled.

"I guess you could say he is a gentleman," Patricia said. "While others-" this she said while glancing at Eddie- "are stupid, idiotic, and have no chance with girls." She stood up sharply and went to get their doll. She and Jerome exchanged looks as they went up, Patricia giving him a glare and Jerome giving her a wink. Patricia smacked his arm softly, and he smiled. It was as if they were back on good terms.

"No hard feelings, Trixie?" Jerome asked slowly. "I was stupid and I know that; I shouldn't have pushed your limits."

"I don't think we ever really liked each other," Patricia said. "In a couple way, anyway."

"So, we're back at that awkward friend stage?" Jerome offered her a hand. Patricia gave the slightest smile.

"Alright," she shook his hand teasingly.

"Take your seats, please." Ms. Denby said, and they shuffled into their seats. Jerome took a careful seat next to Nina. Nina avoided all eye contact and Jerome stiffly slid the baby doll across the table, towards her.

"Don't do that!" Nina cried suddenly, making Jerome jump. "Imagine that was a real baby! You'd hurt her!"

"And who says it's a her?" Jerome grinned, already turning on the charm. Nina bit her lip softly, gazing at Jerome. She remembered when she when to Anubis High for the first time. Jerome had charmed her endlessly, and assured her they'd be a couple once they felt they were ready. When he started to date Patricia, she lost hope for them...but he told her he still wanted to be her boyfriend. He just wanted to tie up loose ends with Patricia; so in the meantime, Jerome and Nina dated in secret. How stupid she had been.

"I do," Nina said firmly, and she looked away. Jerome watched her silently, his blue eyes flickering ever so often to her, then to the desk.

"That thing," Jerome began hesitantly- "that you did at the party. That was because I was dating all of you at the same time, wasn't it?"

"I don't know why you thought you could get away with it," Nina laughed bitterly. "We were all friends; we'd all tell each other eventually."

"I figured that," Jerome said. "I just didn't care. I didn't care if I looked bad to the student body; everyone assumed it anyway. I just played along. Now, though...I wanted to say that I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you that much."

"The sad part was that I thought you were the one," Nina said softly. "The one I'd fall for. Was I wrong."

"I was a jerk," Jerome nodded solemnly. "I truly meant to come clean to you all. I just didn't have time."

"Why the change of heart?" Nina asked slowly. "You were always teasing me about how you wanted a 'challenge' and stuff. Why are you trying to be the good one now?"

"Let's just say I met a girl," Jerome shrugged. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Martin; I was trying to see if I could get away with it. And I did. Then I realized I was being selfish for doing so, and it's just...hectic. Please tell me you still aren't mad."

"I am," Nina said, but she softened. "I'm not a bad person, though, and I'll let you have one more chance. One. Got it?"

"I feel honored," Jerome gave her a smile, and Nina relaxed happily. "Say, how are you and Stutter Rutter doing?"

"Oh, Fabian and I are doing okay," Nina said, and her happy demeanor fell.

"Alright, what's going on?" Jerome asked.

"Well...I want to like him. I just don't think I'm really ready for a boyfriend... and besides, Amber doesn't approve..." Nina said.

"Amber?" Jerome snorted. "Since when do you follow Amber's orders? It's your life, Nina. When are you going to take charge?"

"She means well," Nina said hesitantly. "I think."

"Thinking," Jerome mocked. "When are you going to stop thinking and start acting?"

"Hey, Amber will always be my best friend, no matter what," Nina snapped. "You can't say you have had loyal friends, have you?" Jerome thought back to Alfie, and he gritted his teeth, but made no sound. Nina watched him, slightly alarmed.

"Forget it," Jerome mumbled.

"Forget what?" Nina questioned.

"Everything," Jerome said bitterly.

"You know, for a guy, you have severe mood swings," Nina observed, bringing an amused half-smile to Jerome's face.

"I suppose so," Jerome shrugged.

"Jerome," Nina said softly.

"Hm?" Jerome glanced her way.

"We can't talk outside of here...and even in here KT is looking suspiciously at us. I just wanted to, uh- let you know," Nina said. "We kind of made a pact- like a sisterhood-KT, Amber, Willow and I-"

"I get it," Jerome cut her off. "You can't let your friends know you forgive me. Don't worry about it." The bell rang at that moment, and the class erupted into whoops. Jerome joined Patricia and Joy, who were both with their partners. Nina cast a quick look at him before joining KT.

"Weasel! Take the goddamned baby!" Patricia yelled rudely as they left, throwing the baby doll in Eddie's arms. Eddie caught it barely by the head, stopping suddenly and making Patricia crash into him. She fell backward; he regained his balance and properly held the baby in his arms. Benji, who was behind Patricia, caught her quickly. She looked up at him, speechless. He gave her a fleeting half-smile before releasing her.

"Sorry," Benji said, and he graciously took the baby doll Joy was offering him.

"It's okay," Patricia said softly. Eddie scoffed at this.

"I'll take the baby after school," Joy told Benji. "And you can take him tomorrow."

"That works," Benji nodded, and he gave Joy a nod before cradling the doll in his hands. "I have to get to math; see you all later!" He walked away with a smile to both girls and a smirk at Eddie. Eddie made a face after him.

"Isn't he so... dreamy?" Joy sighed after him.

"Who is?" Fabian joined them as he exited his class.

"Fabian!" Joy's eyes grew huge.

"She's stuck over that new guy, Benji," Patricia explained. "He's alright. He's not a jerk and he's pretty hot."

"I'm just going to go now," Eddie said, rushing away with their baby.

"Why are you spending so much time with Eddie lately?" Fabian asked Patricia curiously. "It's like you two are inseparable."

"No," Patricia said angrily. "I have been trying to avoid him. All he does is get all up in my face. We're always thrown together, we're always running into each other, and he even had the nerve to ask if we were friends! Can you believe that guy?"

"He's trying to break through to you," Joy offered.

"As if," Patricia snorted.

"You're awfully headstrong," Fabian observed. "Why don't you give Eddie another chance?"

"You're my friends! You're supposed to be on my side!" Patricia yelled.

"Whoa, we are," Joy tried to say. She reached out for her friend, but Patricia jerked her arm away. "Patricia, don't be like this..."

"I'll be however I want," Patricia turned away, walking briskly. Joy started to go after her, but Fabian caught her by the arm.

"Let her be," Fabian said quietly. "Patricia is always stubborn." Joy stared up at him before stopping and letting her go.

Patricia went back to the bathroom. It always seemed like the same old routine, didn't it? Take the blade, cut her wrists, and cry her heart out. Why did her life turn out this way? What could she have done that was so awful? What bewitched her to do such a thing? The bang of the bathroom door opening made her jump. The room filled with girly squeals and cries, and Patricia knew that Amber and her groupies had arrived. She stayed still, waiting, but unfortunately she forgot to lock her stall, and someone pushed it open.

"Oh! I'm sorry," KT said when she stood face-to-face with Patricia. Patricia shoved her hands behind her back, hiding the knife. "Have you been... crying?"

"No," Patricia said. "Get out already." The fire was gone from her voice; she sounded desperate and sad. KT licked her lips once, unsure. She recognized the girl- she was the one Eddie had been with- but she didn't want to hold a grudge against her or anything.

"I know you, don't I?" KT asked softly, against her better judgment. "Patricia?"

"Oh, you know someone's name. Congratulations; do you want a party to go with that?" Patricia said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "Is it too much to ask for a girl to use the bathroom without someone getting all up in her face?"

"KT was being nice, bitch," Amber joined KT. "What's your problem? Did your no-good boyfriend screw another girl? Oh, wait- he screwed all of us." She looked smugly at Patricia.

"Jerome is not my boyfriend." Patricia said firmly. "Besides, I don't care who he's with. He can lower himself to the scum of the school but I won't give a shit."

"Oh, that's funny; the scum like you?" Amber sneered.

"Amber," Nina was pulling Amber away now. "Stop it! It's not nice. It's rude, it's mean-"

"Relax, Nina!" Amber hissed. "I'm just giving her a taste of her own medicine. She's always bagging on us. Why can't we return the favor?"

"You're the one who started everything!" Patricia exploded. "You're the one who started teasing me. You thought you were better than me-"

"I don't think, honey, I know," Amber smirked.

"Amber," Willow joined Nina. "Leave it be. Come on."

"Shut up," Patricia said weakly, trying to move away as her hands ached from holding the knife. And before she knew it, the knife fell from her fingers. It hit the floor with a clang, making all five girls stare down at it. She felt the pain in her wrists and hoped she wasn't bleeding too much.

"Ooh the emo girl is suicidal!" Amber laughed. "We all saw it coming..."

"Amber, shut up!" Nina exploded. "You have no right to do this... any of this! You are such a...a bitch! All you do is bully people! You think you're a leader but you're not looked at with respect, you're feared!" Amber gasped audibly, and KT and Willow remained looking at Patricia, both of them scared for her.

"Nina, since when are you sticking up for her?" Amber asked Nina angrily.

"Since you became such a bitch!" Nina cried, and the two girls stared to have a glare-off, making KT and Willow uncomfortable.

"Can all of you just back the fuck up?" Patricia demanded.

"Patricia, you don't have to turn to his!" Willow cried suddenly. "You can't kill yourself!"

"It's wrong," KT agreed.

"The world has so much more to offer..." Nina began, but already tears were obstructing Patricia's eyes. She was feeling dizzy. The four girls before her were turning into eight. She wanted to fall to the floor. Her head was swaying.

"Patricia, are you going to pass out?" KT was taking her arm, and Amber was looking on, looking mad but the slightest- tiniest- bit worried.

"I'm f-" Patricia cut herself off as she proceeded to throw up.

"Ew!" Amber cried, but Patricia didn't hear her. She was already passed out on the floor.

"DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME I CAN'T SEE HER! SHE'S MY BEST FRIEND!" Joy yelled angrily. "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE TO TELL ME ANYTHING! YOU DON'T KNOW HER LIKE I DO!"

"Joy, calm down," Fabian said as he waited patiently behind her at the hospital, awaiting the moment they could visit Patricia.

"I'M CALM!" Joy screamed in response, ready to go after Fabian next. Fabian engulfed her in a tight hug, making Joy start to cry uncontrollably. "I want to see her. I want to see her. I want-"

"I know," Fabian whispered softly. "And you will, okay? You will. When she's ready." He led her away silently, sitting her down at one of the waiting room chairs. She didn't let go.

"Guys," Jerome came rushing into the room at that moment, relief flooding to his eyes when he saw them. "Willow told me. Is she better? Can we see her?"

"Not yet," Fabian said, still holding Joy and soothing her. "Can you call Mara? Joy's been asking for her."

"Sure thing," Jerome said, but he didn't want to speak to her again...he knew he'd messed up already.

"Joy, want to give Jerome her number?" Fabian asked.

"I gave her his," Joy mumbled in reply, her face still shoved against Fabian's chest.

"Yeah, I have it right here." Jerome said, and he walked away, dialing the number. She answered on the first ring.

"Jerome, I've been worried sick. Why didn't you want to talk to me?" Mara asked breathlessly.

"Mara," Jerome said slowly. "Patricia is in the hospital. It would mean a lot to us- to me- that you would come. She could use some support..."

"Oh, my," Mara whispered softly. "Can you some pick me up?"

So that was how Jerome ended up getting Mara's address from Joy and going to pick her up. Truth be told, he didn't mind. He was rather entranced by Mara for some reason...she was a challenge to the others girls who never knew her, but she was mostly the challenge for Jerome. She was what made him angry and confused, yet breathless and happy. He honked as he pulled up to her house, feeling a little worried as to what her boyfriend would think. She ran out, giving him a quick wave. Her normally wavy hair was straight and sleek, and her makeup was more evident.

"You dressed up for a hospital?" Jerome asked as Mara entered his car.

"No!" Mara said, horrified. "I went somewhere before you called me."

"Ah," Jerome nodded as he pulled away from her driveway. "Somewhere... with Mick?"

"No," Mara said. "I went to my aunt's for dinner. She likes to go out to fancy places. I didn't have time to change. Do you think we can get Patricia some flowers or something?"

"Well Patricia has never been a flowers person," Jerome thought. "But okay. I'm sure she wouldn't mind."

"Did you ever get her flowers when you dated her?" Mara asked, and the question hit Jerome hard.

"No," Jerome said. "I didn't." He thought about it now. Why didn't he? It was rather weird to go from friends to boyfriend and girlfriend... and the fact he was seeing other girls at the time... he winced involuntarily.

"Are you alright?" Mara asked, training her dark eyes on him. Jerome swallowed hard before answering.

"Of course."

He pulled up at a little flower shop, stopping abruptly and waiting. Mara unbuckled her seat belt and eagerly got off the car. Jerome opted to stay behind; it's not like he'd be of much help, anyway. He was startled, however, as Mara knocked on his window, gesturing for him to get up and follow her. Jerome finally obliged. Mara ran inside, looking overjoyed. Jerome stuck his hands in his pockets as he followed. The small, boxed in place made him slightly claustrophobic but he chose to ignore the shivering feeling. Mara was sniffing all flowers in her reach, trying to pick the perfect bouquet.

"Jerome, what color does Patricia like?" Mara asked as she fingered some white flowers.

"Black," Jerome said. "Red. I don't know."

"Smell these." Mara shoved a bouquet of roses under his nose. "Don't they smell...wonderful?" Jerome leaned forward and sniffed along, unsure why he was doing so. Mara leaned along to sniff as well, her head accidentally hitting Jerome's. "Ow! Sorry!"

"It's okay," Jerome said, self-consciously looking sideways at how close Mara was. Their eyes met and Mara blushed involuntarily.

"So...do you think they will work?" Mara quickly asked.

"I guess so," Jerome shrugged. "We shouldn't delay, you know."

"Oh I know," Mara sighed. "Do you think she likes roses? Or something darker? Wow, look at these, Jerome. They are such a dark, dark red; they're almost black around the edges. What do you-"

"Get them," Jerome cut her off, already knowing Patricia would love them. Once they had purchased the flowers they sped off to the hospital, hoping Patricia was okay. Jerome and Mara practically burst through the doors. Joy and Fabian looked up from the card game they were playing to stare at them.

"Hey guys," Fabian said. "They'll let us see Patricia in like ten minutes. Want to play?"

"We're playing Go Fish," Joy informed them proudly. "and I'm winning."

"Only because you keep looking at my cards!" Fabian protested.

"You keep pushing them towards me! How can I resist?" Joy teased, and the two friends fell into comfortable laughter. Jerome and Mara exchanged looks, but they sat down good-naturedly.

"Have the doctors said anything?" Jerome asked slowly as he picked up a few cards.

"She's awake," Joy said, and they could see the hint of tears in her eyes. "She's awake." Mara flung her arms around Joy and they burst out crying. Jerome and Fabian exchanged looks and shrugs.

"Patient Patricia Williamson is now taking visitors," a bored looking nurse announced, stepping out between the double doors. Her four friends looked at each other before they slowly started the walk to Patricia's room. Jerome was the one to open the door, allowing for Mara, Joy, and Fabian to walk in first.

Patricia lifted her head, giving them a wavering smile. Dark circles outlined her jade green eyes, making them seem pale and lifeless. Her auburn hair, always so straight, hung loosely over her shoulders, tangled and drab. She wore a simple light blue hospital gown, but she wore it in her feisty way.

"Patricia! You're okay!" Joy sobbed, rushing to hug her right off. Mara slowly joined the hug with both Joy and Patricia's urging. Once they had let her go they turned towards the boys.

"Hey, Trixie," Jerome said.

"The original idiot," Patricia greeted him with a rare smile. "You and Fabian a couple now? I see you offering him those flowers."

"I see you're the same," Jerome chuckled, and he handed her the flowers. "Mara's idea."

"They are nice," Patricia said absentmindedly as she felt the petals. "Say, why haven't you said anything yet, Fabian?"

"Er, hi," Fabian said awkwardly. "So...when do you get out?"

"A few days at the most, I think," Patricia said. "I don't know the details. I was just a little dizzy or something; it wasn't anything huge."

"Don't cut yourself, Patricia," Joy choked. "It's not worth it."

"How do you-" Patricia began, but Mara took Patricia's arm and slowly ran a finger over the scars protruding from her skin. "-oh."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Joy cried.

"I didn't want to," Patricia mumbled.

"We're always here, Patricia," Fabian said, and Patricia bit her lip, tears already forming.

"Damn it, you guys are making me emotional!" Patricia cried.

"Um, excuse me?" the nurse re-entered the room. "Patricia Williamson, right?"

"That's me," Patricia said.

"We have some worries concerning you," the nurse said.

"Worries?" Joy echoed.

"We did the normal checkup; X-rays, heartbeat, the works," the nurse said. "We got the results for one of the X rays and we're concerned. Something is wrong."

"Wrong? What's wrong?" Jerome jumped into the conversation.

"That's the thing," the nurse said. "It's not to be discussed in mixed company. We must speak privately."

"Oh, I don't mind," Patricia waved away the idea. "Let my friends hear."

"You're sure?" the nurse asked slowly.

"Yep," Patricia said calmly.

"Well then," the nurse nodded. "It's not sure, of course, it seems to be a little unclear, and only time will tell...even then, it might not mean anything. I don't want to give you false information, but-"

"Oh tell us already," Mara exploded.

"We think you're pregnant," the nurse finished.

Big thanks to Anna Bliss aka Ivy B for the idea of Patricia getting pregnant. We worked out the idea in a way. ;) Oh and a huge thanks to DirectionerxnsibunaxPeddie1085 for keeping our little secret since they also thought of the idea! Crazy, right? I know I wanted to reveal it next chapter but I'll have the aftermath...or will I?

Thanks to my reviewers:

HOAfanficgirl

Ally

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TheEmptyOwl

Kayleighann5

cruzguadalupe6

sevendevils7

PerfectlyImperfect7

Anna Bliss aka Ivy B

Guest- You're the one who hates Peddie and loves Keddie. I'm sorry but I'm sticking to Peddie. I respect it if you stop reading. I know I would if the couple was Jeroy.

Kellie Parker

DesiredHOA01

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TinyDancerHOA

DirectionerxnsibunaxPeddie1085

Gleek4260

xXAquaMangoXx

stuckbeingrachel

sinfullysarcastic

Thanks guys. As always, thanks for reading and please review!